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- Property TypeGame Lodge
- Guests268
- Rooms/Units99
- Minimum Stay1-2 Nights
Aquila Private Game Reserve is a 4 star graded game lodge offering Touws River accommodation in 99 guest rooms.
About Aquila Private Game Reserve
Aquila Private Game Reserve, under a two hour scenic drive via the N1 from Cape Town, is named after the rare and endangered Black Eagle that thrives in the area. Proclaimed a Private Nature Reserve in 1985, this 4 star, Big 5, malaria free, 4, 500 hectare reserve is steeped in Khoi San and Boer War history and boasts 3 pristine biomes of vegetation set in the most magnificent Karoo mountains, valleys, rivers and kloofs.
Aquila has been recognised alongside the major tourist attractions such as Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch and Robben Island as a must-see Cape destination - it is one of the closest Big 5 safari experience to the Mother City with the introduction of elephants as of August 2006.
At a Glance
What to expect at the lodge/reserve
- All meals included
- All of the Big 5
- Guided game drives included
- Malaria-free area
- Kids' programme
ACCOMMODATION
Premier Cottages:
The Premier Cottages are positioned on the hillside to offer privacy and have been built in harmony with the rock which is a principle focal point in the large bathrooms and alfresco showers. They are constructed from wood, stone and thatch and feature fans, air conditioners and fireplaces. Each en-suite bathroom is unique, with twin hand basins, bath and toilet. The cottages offer a wooden deck with panoramic views across the expanse of the reserve.
Luxury Family Units:
These units are semi detached with attention paid to privacy. Units are equipped with mini bars, tea and coffee making facilities and feature indoor fireplaces for that extra bit of warmth and cosiness in the colder months. They are under thatch and feature exterior stone work using raw materials from the area. The large en-suite bathrooms feature corner baths with outdoor showers.
Standard Cottages:
In keeping with the design and the flow of the architecture at Aquila, the Standard Cottages do not compromise the experience nor standard. Each has its own patio, corner bath and outdoor rock shower. Cottages are equipped with mini bars, fans and feature ‘coal' stoves for that extra bit of warmth and cosiness in the colder months.
Bush Cottages:
Situated in the actual veld of the reserve adjacent to the wetlands area. Originally the reserve staff cottages, these have been beautifully restored and are also equipped with mini bars, fans and uninterrupted views of the reserve and it's inhabitants.
RESTAURANT
Throughout the reserve, where possible, natural materials found on the property such as rocks, river pebbles, reeds, wood and thatch have been used in order to blend with the surrounding environment. This spacious African character building is the perfect setting for the extensive buffet-style meals served.
CIGAR BAR
Originally the homestead, the building has been redesigned into a sumptuous yet intimate colonial style Cigar Bar that offers one the opportunity of enjoying an after dinner night cap in front of the roaring log fire whilst enjoying the quality cigars on offer.
POOL BAR
Situated adjacent to the swimming pool and restaurant, the Pool Bar enjoys the same architecture and African design as the restaurant and seats approximately 20 guests while enjoying the convenience of the pool area.
JUNIOR RANGERS
Led by experienced safari guides, this interactive outdoor experience will teach your little explorer about the amazing animals that call Aquila home, as well as the importance of conservation. From learning to track lion spoor and elephant dung, to learning about native trees and the secrets of the reserve, children will have an exciting time finding animals, making new friends and creating memories. Junior Rangers will also get to participate in a variety of other activities, including fire making, animal tracking, animal identification, and tree planting.
EXPERIENCE
quila’s traditional vehicle safaris are led by experienced game rangers and field guides, ensuring guests have the best opportunity to see South Africa’s iconic Big Five animals and other native wildlife species.
Your safari guide will take you through Aquila’s 10 000 hectare wildlife reserve, sharing inside stories and facts about the natural Karoo environment.
Features you'll appreciate
- wifi
- air-con
- swimming
pool - parking
- airport
transfers - wake up
calls - fireplace
In Room / Unit
- Additional bed / mattress
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Children: cot, highchair, etc.
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Iron / trouser press
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Patio / verandah / balcony
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
On Site
- Air-conditioning
- Business facilities
- Child friendly (all ages)
- Childcare / babysitting service
- Garden(s)
- Guest lounge with TV
- Health spa
- Housekeeping (daily)
- Laundry service
- Parking (garage)
- Parking (off street)
- Parking (undercover)
- Reception (24 hours)
- Reception (business hours)
- Security (guard)
- Smoking: in demarcated areas
- Swimming pool
- Wake up calls
Food & Drink
- Bar (fully licenced)
- Complimentary tea / coffee
- Restaurant / dining room
Internet
- Free Wi-Fi
Transfers
- Airport transfers
- Other transfers available
Languages Spoken
- English
- Afrikaans
Rooms & Rates
Select your check-in and check-out dates to view availability and the rates applicable.
Karoo Cottages
The Premier Cottages are positioned on the hillside to offer privacy and have been built in harmony with the rock which is a principle focal point in the large bathrooms and alfresco showers. They are constructed from wood, stone and thatch and feature fans, air conditioners and fireplaces. Each en-suite bathroom is unique, with twin hand basins, bath and toilet. The cottages offer a wooden deck with panoramic views across the expanse of the reserve.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 20
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Family Luxury Cottage (4 Sleeper)
These units are semi-detached and are situated in close proximity to the children’s play area. Units are equipped with mini bars (on request), tea and coffee making facilities and feature indoor fireplaces for that extra bit of warmth and cosiness in the colder months. They are under thatch and feature exterior stone work using raw materials from the area. Children sleep tucked away under the eaves in a charming loft area overlooking the main bedroom below.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 6
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Family Cottage (sleeps 8)
These units are semi-detached and are situated in close proximity to the children’s play area. Units are equipped with mini bars (on request), tea and coffee making facilities and feature indoor fireplaces for that extra bit of warmth and cosiness in the colder months. They are under thatch and feature exterior stone work using raw materials from the area. Children sleep tucked away under the eaves in a charming loft area overlooking the main bedroom below.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 2
Sleeps: 8 guests (max 8 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Premier Cottages King
The Premier Cottages are positioned on the hillside to offer privacy and have been built in harmony with the rock, which is a principle focal point in the large bathrooms and alfresco showers. They are constructed from wood, stone and thatch and feature fans, air conditioners and fireplaces. Each en-suite bathroom is unique, with twin hand basins, bath and toilet. The cottages offer a wooden deck with panoramic views across the expanse of the reserve.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 3
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Premier Cottages King or Twin
The Premier Cottages are positioned on the hillside to offer privacy and have been built in harmony with the rock, which is a principle focal point in the large bathrooms and alfresco showers. They are constructed from wood, stone and thatch and feature fans, air conditioners and fireplaces. Each en-suite bathroom is unique, with twin hand basins, bath and toilet. The cottages offer a wooden deck with panoramic views across the expanse of the reserve.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 1
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Premier Lodge Rooms
Premier Lodge Rooms have large balconies overlooking the reserve with magnificent views. Full bathrooms with separate showers and views from the baths. Two twins beds which can be made up to Queen size beds.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 22
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Standard Lodge Rooms
The Standard Lodge Rooms are furnished with twin beds which can be made up to Queen size beds (please request this after confirming your booking if required). The en-suite bathrooms are equipped with showers. The rooms look away from the reserve and do not have a view.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 22
Sleeps: 2 guests (max 2 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
Family Lodge Room
Our Mountain View and Standard Lodge Rooms can be converted to Luxury Family Suites. The interconnect by a common passage way. The entrance to the passageway may be locked as can both bedrooms forming a private and safe space for families.
- Air-conditioning
- Area information booklet
- Bar fridge
- Bathroom (en-suite)
- Bathroom towels supplied
- Bed linen supplied
- Cleaning materials supplied
- Complimentary toiletries
- DVD player
- Fan(s)
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Heater(s)
- International plug point(s)
- Internet connection (wireless)
- Mini- / courtesy bar
- Safe for valuables
- Tea and coffee facilities
Qty: 22
Sleeps: 4 guests (max 4 adults)
Children: from 0-11 years are allowed; over 11 years treated as adults
FULLY INCLUSIVE RATES INCLUDE:
Luxury Accommodation
2 x Big 5 game drives per day
Lunch, dinner and breakfast
Take the Tour
Guest Reviews
4 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
We would liken our stay at Aquila to the 'creme brulee' we were fed on the first night. An acceptable milk pudding, perhaps slightly gritty, though not entirely unpleasant, but far from the 'creme brulee' it was marketed as. We stayed in the Karoo Cottages. Please note that room service is not included into the price. We were supplied one set of towels for two nights and our air conditioner/heater did not work properly. The food was abundant but much of it was under-seasoned and more akin to hostel food than we would have liked. The accommodation was also not as advertised and we certainly did not have what could be considered a view of the park. Aquila is also not a true big five game lodge, since their lions are kept in a smaller enclosure within the park (I understand the reasoning, but the marketing does not really make this fact known - I only found it later on the website in a small paragraph). They also do not have leopard in the truest sense of the word but, rather, their leopard are cape mountain leopard which include Aquila as part of their territories, so the likelihood of seeing one (particularly due to the VERY loud game-viewing vehicles) is poor at best. There were also several other parts of the trip that we found to be disappointing. That being said, we were never allowed to go hungry, the ambience was lovely, we were afforded lovely up-close and personal views of several animal species, such as rhino, hippo and elephant, and the guides were helpful, knowledgeable and passionate. All in all, I think Aquila functions as a good tourist destination and plays a wonderful and admirable role in conservation. It would be a lovely place to enjoy a day trip to or to spend one night at, and perhaps more enjoyable for a family. Certainly not the dreamy, romantic Kruger-like getaway that we imagined, which resulted in disappointment. Had we known what to expect, we may have enjoyed our stay much more for what it was.
June 2023
Caleigh S. (Western Cape)
Verified review
Little bit too ‘arranged’ since my last visit. Nice to see more rhinos though
September 2022
graham b. (Uk)
Verified Host
- Telephone number verified
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- Proof of address on file
- Property listed on SA-Venues.com since December 2009
Need to Know
Response timeAquila Private Game Reserve typically responds to requests in 5-10 minutes.
Child policyChildren of all ages are welcome.
Closest airport(s)Cape Town International - 200km
Check-in/-out timesCheck-in from 14h00
Check-out by 10h00
Payment methods accepted by the property American Express, Diners, Mastercard, Visa, EFT or secure online payment via SA-Venues.com
Listed on SA-Venues.com since December 2009
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